New Life Gillette Church Teachings New Life Gillette Church

More Than Animals: Identity
Welcome to Week 2 of our teaching series, "More Than Animals." Today, we dive into a topic that’s been at the forefront of cultural conversations: Identity. We’re exploring what separates us from animals in terms of identity, dreams, hopes, and spiritual purpose.
The Concept of Identity
Animals don't have a sense of identity the way humans do. They don't differentiate themselves, dream big dreams, or ponder eternity and purpose. In contrast, our kids are inundated with a new religion called Gender Identity. This topic is complex and sensitive, often better addressed in one-on-one conversations, but given its cultural dominance, we need to discuss it openly and with love.
I must give credit to those who have informed my understanding of this topic. I’ve read and listened to experts, compiling their insights here. My aim isn’t to take a political stand or fight a cultural battle but to offer Freedom and Clarity in Jesus. This is a spiritual issue, and while you may disagree with me, my motivation is love.
Many people today experience deep pain, believing they were born in the wrong body. This belief is widespread, but as a Christian community, we must address it with truth and compassion.
Ground Rules


I don't have time to address everything. This topic is extensive, and a 30-minute sermon won't cover it all. I recommend Preston Sprinkle's book "Embodied" for a comprehensive understanding.



It's okay to disagree. We must stop separating ourselves from those we disagree with. My goal is to present what Scripture says.


Don't clap. Let's not alienate anyone. This is a journey we walk together.


Speak the truth in love. Welcome Graciously is one of our core values. We don't start fights over secondary issues and don’t expect everyone to agree.


Ephesians 4:15: "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ."
You Are Welcome Here
If you struggle with gender identity, you are welcome in this church. If you disagree with me, you’re still welcome. Jesus can transform your life for the better. Today, we’ll discuss three things:

What makes a biological male and female?
What does the Bible say about being male and female?
How should we respond to people who have transgender struggles?


1. What Makes a Biological Male and Female?
Biologists generally agree on three characteristics that define the difference between male and female: roles in reproduction, external anatomy, and the presence of a Y chromosome. But how does this help those struggling with gender identity?
Gender Dysphoria is a real, painful condition, affecting about 0.005% - 0.014% of the population. For many, the issue isn’t gender dysphoria but Gender Stereotypes.
Parents often worry when their children defy gender norms, but such behavior doesn’t necessarily indicate transgender identity. Gender stereotypes are culturally constructed, not biblically mandated.

Lady's Home Journal (1918): "Pink, being a more decided and strong color, is more suitable for boys. While blue, which is more delicate and dainty, is prettier for a girl."

In the Bible

Welcome to our teaching series, "More Than Animals." This series explores the aspects of human life that set us apart from animals. Today's message is particularly sensitive and carries a PG-13 warning as we delve into the topic of Chastity.
Celebrating Singleness and Chastity
A Message for Singles
Many single people in our church feel left out. Much of our teaching focuses on parenting and marriage, which might make singles feel like second-class citizens in Heaven. However, this couldn't be further from the truth. Many great fathers of our faith were never married. Consider Jesus and the apostle Paul—two of the most influential figures in human history who never married.
Redefining Marriage
Before we proceed, let’s define what we mean by marriage. The world has co-opted the term to control us with taxes and legalities. However, when we speak of marriage, we refer to a covenant before God—a commitment to monogamy that is more spiritual than legal. The early church even held celibacy ceremonies, highlighting the importance of commitment, whether to chastity or marital fidelity.
The Concept of Chastity
Chastity often carries misconceptions. When we hear the term, images of Catholic priests or chastity belts come to mind, but it’s much more than that. Chastity means refraining from sexual intercourse, which is a good thing at times. Some people are called to live a life of complete chastity, giving up sex but not relationships.
The Gift of Chastity
Paul talks about this special calling in his letter to the Corinthians:

"But I wish everyone were single, just as I am. Yet each person has a special gift from God, of one kind or another" (1 Corinthians 7:7, NLT).

However, the word "single" isn't in the original text. A more accurate translation would be:

"I wish now all men to be like even myself, but each has his own gift from God, one has indeed this, others that" (1 Corinthians 7:7).

Paul wasn’t single in the lonely sense. He always had companions. He continues:

"So I say to those who aren’t married and to widows—it’s better to stay unmarried, just as I am. But if they can’t control themselves, they should go ahead and marry. It’s better to marry than to burn with lust... I want you to be free from the concerns of this life. An unmarried man can spend his time doing the Lord’s work and thinking how to please him. But a married man has to think about his earthly responsibilities and how to please his wife. His interests are divided" (1 Corinthians 7:8-9, 32-34, NLT).

Therefore, a better term than "single" might be "devout." Someone who decides to remain unmarried should do so to fully dedicate themselves to God.

"But if he has decided firmly not to marry and there is no urgency and he can control his passion, he does well not to marry" (1 Corinthians 7:37, NLT).

The Church’s Role
Unfortunately, the church has idolized marriage, implying that it will fulfill you. This has alienated unmarried people and placed undue pressure on marriages. We need to celebrate those who choose a different path, one of chastity and devotion to God.
The Greatest Love
Jesus highlighted the highest form of love:

"There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends" (John 15:13, NLT).

Awaken Sunday 2024
Caleb Smith shared this message titled "The Fourth Man in the Furnace," drawing from the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3:16-30. This story speaks powerfully to faith, courage, and God's presence in our most challenging times.
Historical Context and The Challenge of Faith
The narrative begins with the three young men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who faced a life-or-death situation. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon demanded they worship a golden statue he had erected. Defiance meant a horrifying death in a blazing furnace. Despite the dire consequences, these men refused to bow, demonstrating an unshakeable faith.
Their response to the king, recorded in Daniel 3:16-18, reflects their profound trust in God: “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us... But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” They chose integrity over life, standing firm in their devotion to God.
Nebuchadnezzar's Rage and the Fiery Trial
Nebuchadnezzar's fury reached its peak, and he ordered the furnace to be heated seven times hotter than usual. The heat was so intense that it killed the soldiers who threw the three men into the flames. This scenario was not only a test of physical endurance but also a profound spiritual trial. Facing one of the most excruciating and dehumanizing forms of execution, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's faith was unyielding.
Divine Intervention and The Fourth Man
In a miraculous turn of events, Nebuchadnezzar observed not three but four men walking unharmed in the furnace. The fourth man, who appeared like a divine being, is believed by many to be a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus. This divine presence transformed a moment of potential despair into an extraordinary encounter with God.
The Outcome and Nebuchadnezzar’s Transformation
Amazed and awed, Nebuchadnezzar called the men out of the furnace. Not only were they unharmed, but even their clothes were untouched by the fire, and they didn't smell of smoke. This profound miracle led Nebuchadnezzar to praise the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, acknowledging His unparalleled power and issuing a decree that no one should speak against their God.
The king promoted the three men to higher positions, providing them with greater opportunities to serve and influence their nation for God.
Lessons for Us Today


Faith in the Face of Persecution: The steadfast faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego serves as a powerful example. They trusted God entirely, even if it meant their death. Their story reminds us that true faith does not waver under pressure.


God's Presence in Our Trials: God often meets us in our "furnaces"—our trials and challenges. These experiences, while daunting, are opportunities for divine encounters. Jesus said He would be with us in the furnace, just as He was with these three men.


The Cost and Reward of Discipleship: Following Jesus can lead us into difficult and risky situations. However, these are also the places where we experience God's presence most profoundly. Church planting, for example, is a "furnace experience" where we meet God in new and powerful ways.


Avoiding Furnace Avoidance: There is a temptation in modern life to avoid discomfort and seek a smooth, easy existence. However, the greatest experiences of God often come through trials and challe

Galatians: Rescued & Recruited - Week 6
Welcome to the final teaching of our church series, Galatians: Rescued and Recruited. Today's message, titled "Your Work", delves into our role as believers in the grand mission of God. Let's journey together through the insightful words shared in this message.
Deadbeat or Disciple?
God, in His infinite grace, has chosen us to be in a relationship with Him. But the question remains: What kind of partner will we be? Will we passively watch from the sidelines, hoping someone else will do the work, or will we actively engage as disciples in the game of life?
Embracing the Mission
The call to be missionaries transcends geographical boundaries. It's not just about relocating; it's about embracing a heart posture of service wherever we are. True missionary work involves deeds, not just words. It's about serving within the family of faith, nurturing and building up one another.
Galatians 6:9-10
9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. 10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.
The Role of the Church
Our church serves as the training ground for future leaders, influencers, and world-changers. Each member has a vital role to play in nurturing the next generation of spiritual warriors. From teaching Bible stories to welcoming newcomers, every act of service contributes to the kingdom's growth.
Rise to the Challenge
As our church enters a season of transition, it's time for mentees to become mentors, for followers to become leaders. We are all called to be missionaries, both within and outside the church walls. Let's step up, fill the gaps, and actively participate in the mission of God.
Join the Winning Team
While God's mission will prevail with or without us, we have the privilege of being invited to participate. Just like a parent allowing their child to "drive" the car from their lap, God delights in involving us in His divine work. Let's not miss out on the joy of playing on God's team.
Take Action Today
Now is the time to take action. Fil out this form. Our church needs each one of us to step up and serve. Together, let's embrace the call to serve where we are and make a difference in our community.
Conclusion
As we conclude this teaching series on Galatians, let's remember that we are not just passive recipients of God's grace but active participants in His mission. Let's commit to being faithful stewards of the opportunities He has given us and live out our calling as missionaries in our homes, our church, and our world
 

Did you like Galatians - Rescued & Recruited – Week 6? If so, check out more of our Sunday teachings here.
 

Galatians: Rescued & Recruited - Week 5
Pastor Wes in Week 5 of the Galatians: Rescued & Recruited series centers around the importance of facing reality, forming a plan, and taking action in our lives as individuals and as a church community. He begins by commending the congregation for their transformation and impact on others, encouraging them to continue multiplying in God's kingdom.
The core of his message is illustrated through a story from Luke 16 about a dishonest manager who, despite his faults, faces reality, forms a plan, and takes immediate action to secure his future. Pastor Wes unpacks this story, highlighting the manager's proactive approach and the commendation he receives from his master.
He then challenges the congregation to reflect on how they face reality in their own lives, emphasizing the importance of forming concrete plans and taking immediate action. He acknowledges the tendency to spiritualize problems instead of addressing them directly and urges the congregation to overcome this by partnering with God in their journey.
In conclusion, Pastor Wes draws a parallel between the message of Galatians, which calls for humility and mutual support within the church community, and the story of the dishonest manager, emphasizing the transformative power of facing reality, forming plans, and taking action together.
This message encourages you to embrace vulnerability, seek support from one another, and trust in God's guidance as they navigate life's challenges and opportunities.
Luke 16:1-18
Parable of the Shrewd Manager
16 Jesus told this story to his disciples: “There was a certain rich man who had a manager handling his affairs. One day a report came that the manager was wasting his employer’s money. 2 So the employer called him in and said, ‘What’s this I hear about you? Get your report in order, because you are going to be fired.’
3 “The manager thought to himself, ‘Now what? My boss has fired me. I don’t have the strength to dig ditches, and I’m too proud to beg. 4 Ah, I know how to ensure that I’ll have plenty of friends who will give me a home when I am fired.’
5 “So he invited each person who owed money to his employer to come and discuss the situation. He asked the first one, ‘How much do you owe him?’ 6 The man replied, ‘I owe him 800 gallons of olive oil.’ So the manager told him, ‘Take the bill and quickly change it to 400 gallons.[a]’
7 “‘And how much d

Galatians: Rescued & Recruited - Week 4
In the midst of our daily routines and distractions, it's easy to forget that we are engaged in a spiritual battle. Just as wars rage across the globe, a war wages within each of us—a battle between our spirit and our flesh. However, in today's passage from Galatians, Paul offers us a solution to this internal conflict:
Letting the Holy Spirit Guide Our Lives
Galatians 5:16 presents us with a powerful directive: "Let the Holy Spirit guide your lives." This simple yet profound idea lies at the core of my theological beliefs. I firmly believe that when we align ourselves with the Spirit, incredible transformation occurs. God actively works to sanctify us, shaping us into the individuals He intended us to be from the beginning.
Navigating Life's Decisions
Life is filled with decisions—some small, some significant. Each choice we make presents us with a fork in the road, a moment where we must decide whether to follow the promptings of our spirit or succumb to the desires of our flesh. Yet, as daunting as these decisions may seem, they hold the power to shape our lives in profound ways.
The Concept of Laminar Flow
When we consistently choose to follow the leading of the Spirit, our lives enter a state of "laminar flow." Like water moving smoothly and effortlessly, we find ourselves in a rhythm of obedience and alignment with God's will. Galatians 5:16-17 illustrates this concept, highlighting the ongoing battle between our sinful nature and the desires of the Spirit.
Practical Steps Toward Spiritual Alignment
For those seeking practical guidance, the answer lies in daily prioritization of our relationship with God. By intentionally putting God first in our lives, we create space for His transformative work to take place. As Galatians 5:19-21 reveals, the fruits of the Spirit—such as love, joy, and self-control—stand in stark contrast to the works of the flesh.
Galatians 5:19-22

19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

The Tension Between Faith and Works
While faith alone saves us, genuine faith inevitably produces good works. James 2:17 emphasizes the importance of deeds that reflect our faith, while Ephesians 2:9 reminds us that salvation is a gift from God, not a result of our own efforts. Thus, while works do not earn our salvation, they ser